Providing insights for cosmetic surgery decisions
Dr Emma Hodgkinson Cosmetic Psychology Services
Providing insights for cosmetic surgery decisions
About Dr Emma Hodgkinson ClinPsyD BSc(Hons)
I am an HCPC-registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist based in Newcastle upon Tyne.
I have an established NHS clinical practice with over 10 years' experience supporting people with the psychological consequences of physical health issues, injury, illness or treatment. I routinely undertake supervision, consultation, teaching, training, service development and clinical research as part of my role. I am EMDR and ACT trained.
Privately, I offer a highly specialised service, undertaking psychological assessments for people seeking cosmetic surgery. For professionals, I also offer consultation, supervision and training relating to visible difference psychology and preparation for cosmetic surgery.
I also undertake medico-legal assessments relating to psychological issues following traumatic event, injury, illness or hospital treatment.
My Mission
My mission is to promote and provide safe, ethical and effective psychological care in cosmetic surgery settings.
Psychological Assessment before Cosmetic Surgery
What is the purpose of psychological assessment before cosmetic surgery?
The aim of the assessment is to ensure the person is psychologically prepared and able to proceed with surgery, with sufficient resilience to cope with the procedure itself as well as recovery requirements and any complications.
Why is this important?
These assessments are undertaken because research shows that people who are well informed, psychologically robust, and well supported are more likely to be satisfied with the outcome of the surgery and the process itself. People who are not prepared for the surgery process or who have unrealistic expectations for the outcome are at risk of being dissatisfied with the result and could potentially become psychologically distressed as a result.
Assessment is based on scientific theory and psychological principles to help us understand human cognition and behaviour so that we can anticipate (as much as possible) how someone might respond.
What does assessment involve?
Assessment can take up to 90 minutes, and can be completed face to face in Newcastle upon Tyne or virtually through an online meeting.
During the assessment I will ask about the following areas:
- The surgery requested
- Your understanding of the surgery process, risks, complication, expected outcome, and recovery
- General physical health
- Past and current psychological wellbeing
- Body image and attitudes towards your appearance
- Involvement with psychology services
- Practical and emotional support
I also complete some brief psychometric questionnaires to help me better understand your mood and body image.
What are the potential outcomes from an assessment?
My primary responsibility is to support the client and surgeon in moving forward with the surgery process. This means I might make some recommendations for things to consider before or alongside surgery.
- I may make a recommendation that a client needs to see the surgeon again before being listed for surgery because the client has some questions, does not fully understand the surgery, or I have concerns that the client's expectations are not in line with the surgeon's goals for surgery.
- If I have concerns that someone's psychological wellbeing will be affected by or will affect their engagement with surgery and the potential for a good outcome, I may recommend a course of psychological therapy. I will be clear about what I think would be best, and whether surgery should be delayed until psychological therapy is complete. Currently I do not offer psychological therapy in this setting.
What does assessment cost?
A complete pre surgical psychological assessment with Emma costs £250. This includes an assessment discussion of up to 90 minutes, a full report, and any reasonable consultation required with the surgeon. Some private hospitals will cover the cost of assessment; if not pre-arranged with the surgeon, costs are payable by the client.
If you fail to attend your assessment appointment, or cancel the appointment within 24 working hours, you will be charged for 50% of the assessment fee.
Referrals
Referrals should be made by the surgeon undertaking the surgery. The surgeon should fully explain the referral to the client and they should be in agreement with the referral being made.
In the referral, it is helpful for me to have a summary of the proposed surgery, and any specific concerns or queries to be addressed within the assessment. Please include an email address and telephone number for the client for ease of communication.
The client should not have been listed for surgery or have a fixed surgery date at the time of referral.
Medico-legal Assessment and Reports
I have completed Bond Solon Expert Witness Training, and I am happy to be approached by solicitors representing claimants and defendants. I currently work with a number of different UK based medico-legal agencies. Please contact me for a copy of my terms and conditions or to discuss a potential instruction. Current waiting times are available on request.
Other Professional Services
Clinical Supervision
I offer specialist clinical supervision relating to psychological assessment as part of readiness and preparation for surgery.
Teaching and Training
Please contact me if you would like to discuss bespoke teaching and training for your service in relation to the integration of clinical psychology in your cosmetic surgery practice.
Consultation
I offer consultation in relation to individual client needs following pre-surgical psychological assessment, and concerning the integration of clinical psychology screening, assessment and care in cosmetic surgery services.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Confidentiality
Usual confidentiality rules apply to all contacts with me. Everything discussed with or relating to clients is private and confidential. There are some exceptions.
I cannot keep anything private that makes me concerned that the client or someone relating to them is being harmed or at risk of being harmed. If I am worried in this way, I may have to involve other agencies such as GP, emergency services, or social care to help the client stay safe. I will try to discuss my worries with the client at the time of disclosure but if I cannot, I will do what I need to do to keep the client safe.
Communication
Following a pre-surgical psychological assessment, I will write a report to be sent to the referring surgeon. The client will also receive a copy of the report, and have the right to query the contents or ask for amendments. I can leave out of my report anything that I feel is not relevant to the purpose of the assessment - I will either use my discretion or the client can request this.
With regards to a medico-legal assessment, the complete contents of the assessment will be included in the report.
All reports are sent electronically and are password protected.
Data Protection
I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office and fulfil all obligations to keep information safe. Please contact me if you require further information.
Contact Me
Please contact me with any referrals or queries
I endeavour to respond to all emails within three working days
